There's something about Christmas Day that gives us freedom to slow down, chill, hang out with those we love and eat way more than we should eat. It's Christmas! It's one of those days we have permission to be super lazy all day long, with no repercussions. I have a feeling the Spurs thought so too! They forget they had to work on Christmas Day. Epic meltdown at home against the Houston Rockets.
I'm sure Coach Pop had a nice cozy fireside chat with his team in the locker room that night after the game. Looking back to evaluate what went wrong that night and how the team can improve is not a bad thing. It's necessary. But, if the Spurs focused on that really horrible Christmas day game, they would just be groveling in the past. They have to learn from their mistakes, while looking forward and planning for future games.
As we count down the last days of 2013, it would be wise for us to do the same. Take time to look back and evaluate this past year. Consider these questions: 1. What are the 2-3 themes that personally defined 2013 for me? 2. What people, books, accomplishments, or special moments were highlights in 2013? 3. Give yourself a grade from 1-10 in the following areas of focus for 2013: vocationally, spiritually, family, relationally, emotionally, financially, and recreationally. 4. What 2-3 things have I been putting off that I need to move forward with?
Why not consider taking time to think through the above four questions? Evaluating the past year can give us direction for how to move forward in 2014. Take time this week to thank God for this past year. Every day of our life is a gift to be cherished. We are not promised tomorrow. Lastly, look forward to the year to come. Begin thinking about what you'd like to see happen in your life in 2014. Anticipate and smile at the future, knowing that it is ultimately God who holds your future.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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